The Mauryan Polity c13.s12.107

c13.s12.107

This was then the prevailing practice of social polity known in Indian literature as the varṇāśrama dharma. According to the regulations of caste a member of one caste cannot enter into marital relations with the members of other castes. It is also stated that members of the different communities were to follow their own hereditary duties which are, in other words, the *svadharma* of the *Arthaśāstras* and the *Dharmaśāstras*. The *Arthaśāstra* clearly recognises the system of castes and orders and enforces strictly disciplinary rules for any departure from the ordained path. It was the caste that determined the profession. The son of the husbandman continued to be a husbandman and the son of the artisan continued to be an artisan. This is the *svadharma* or engaging oneself in his own dharma, without in any way interfering with the functions of others, thus ensuring continuity of employment and efficiency of labour. However much it has degenerated in recent times, the system avoided unhealthy competition in the earlier ages and was a safe insurance against unemployment. The Greek account simply elaborates the *svadharma* and *varṇadharma* of the Hindus. As for the last statement regarding the sophists there seems to be some confusion of ideas. Either it refers to the members of the Brahmana community who were legally allowed to marry woman members of the other three castes, or it refers to the system of asceticism which was embraced practically by all members of the four castes though restrictions were placed for its being adopted at will.¹